System for tissue fixation to bone

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for fixating connective tissue to bone. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue of an animal; and a bone engaging member extending from the carrier member and configured to attach to a bone of the animal. In some aspects, when the attachment members are engaged with the connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological use of the connective tissue.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to tissue fixation.

BACKGROUND

Lacerated flexor tendon repair is a procedure performed approximately145,000 times a year in the United States alone. Early post operativemobilization is beneficial to restoring maximal tendon functionfollowing injury and repair. Adhesion formation is a common complicationfollowing tendon repair, but can be reduced through motionrehabilitation programs. By preventing adhesion formation and glidingresistance, tendon healing may be enhanced. However, the failure rate oftendon repairs is close to 30 percent, primarily because of overloadingat the repair site. Although an objective of tendon repair is to provideadequate strength for passive and active motion during rehabilitation,it is important to maintain a delicate balance between rehabilitativemotion protocols and fatiguing the repair site.

A procedure for lacerated tendon repair is to use suture to mend the twoends of a tendon together using complex suture patterns. While thisprovides a good initial repair, the strength and quality of the repairmay quickly degrade with subsequent loading and mobilization. Althoughpostoperative therapy may be utilized to reduce adhesion, the resultingtension can induce gap formation or tendon rupture at the repair site,seriously impairing the outcome of the repair. Gapping at the repairsite has many negative effects, such as reduced repair strength, tendonrupture, and an increased probability for adhesion.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, an apparatusfor fixating connective tissue is provided. The apparatus may comprise acarrier member having a first part, a second part, and a junctiontherebetween. The carrier member may be configured to encompass, atleast in part, an interior space. The apparatus may also comprise one ormore first attachment members protruding into the interior space and ata first angle from the first part toward the junction. The one or morefirst attachment members may be configured to engage a first portion ofconnective tissue in the interior space for attaching the first part tothe first portion. The apparatus may comprise one or more secondattachment members protruding from the second part into the interiorspace. The one or more second attachment members may be configured toengage a second portion of connective tissue in the interior space forattaching the second part to the second portion. In some embodiments,when the first part is attached to the first portion and the second partis attached to the second portion, the first portion and the secondportion are limited in being pulled apart from one another duringphysiological use of the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the carrier member has a length, width, andthickness. The length and width may each be at least two times, threetimes, four times, five times, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200 times greater than thethickness.

In some embodiments, the one or more second attachment members protrudeat a second angle from the second part toward the junction. In someembodiments, at least one of the first angle and the second angle isless than or equal to about 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 65 degrees, 75degrees, or 85 degrees. The first angle and the second angle are ofabout the same magnitude.

In certain embodiments, an average thickness of at least one of the oneor more first attachment members is such that when the first part isattached to the first portion, the first angle is maintained at lessthan about 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, 85 degrees, or90 degrees during physiological use of the connective tissue. Theaverage thickness may be measured along a direction substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal dimension of the carrier member.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more first attachmentmembers comprises at least one of a hook, a barb, and a pin. In someembodiments, at least one of the one or more first attachment members isless elastic than is the carrier member.

In certain embodiments, an average height of at least one of the one ormore first attachment members is greater than about 6 millimeters,between about 6 and 4 millimeters, between about 4 millimeters and 2millimeters, between about 2 millimeters and 1.75 millimeters, betweenabout 1.75 millimeters and 1.50 millimeters, between about 1.50millimeters and about 1.25 millimeters, between about 1.25 millimetersand about 1 millimeter, between about 1 millimeter and about 0.75millimeter, between about 0.75 millimeter and about 0.5 millimeter,between about 0.5 millimeter and about 0.25 millimeter, between about0.25 millimeter and about 0.10 millimeter, between about 0.10 millimeterand about 0.075 millimeter, between about 0.075 millimeter and about0.05 millimeter, between about 0.05 millimeter and about 0.025millimeter, between about 0.025 millimeter and about 0.01 millimeter, orless than about 0.01 millimeter.

In some embodiments, the first part comprises a tissue-facing surfacethat faces the connective tissue when the first part engages the firstportion. The first part and each of the one or more first attachmentmembers may meet at a respective base having an area. A ratio of thetotal area of all the bases to the total area of the tissue-facingsurface may be greater than or equal to about 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30,0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, or 0.95.

In certain embodiments, a ratio of a greatest width of a base of a firstattachment member to an average height of the first attachment member isgreater than or equal to about 1.4, between about 1.4 and 1.2, betweenabout 1.2 and 1.0, between about 1.0 and 0.95, between about 0.95 andabout 0.90, between about 0.90 and about 0.80, between about 0.80 andabout 0.70, between about 0.70 and about 0.60, between about 0.60 andabout 0.50, between about 0.50 and about 0.40, between about 0.40 andabout 0.30, between about 0.30 and about 0.20, between about 0.20 andabout 0.10, or less than or equal to about 0.05. The greatest width maybe measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal dimension of the base and substantially parallel to thetissue-facing surface. The longitudinal dimension of the base may be adirection the first attachment member is protruding toward insubstantially the same plane as the base.

In some embodiments, at least three of the one or more first attachmentmembers are arranged with respect to the carrier member in at least oneof a grid-like array and a staggered array. In some embodiments, atleast one of the first attachment members comprises a polymer. In someembodiments, at least one of the first attachment members comprisesnon-polymeric resorbable biomaterials including calcium-based ceramics(e.g., calcium phosphates, various hydroxyapatites, carbonates orsulfates), biocompatible silicates (e.g., bioglasses), silicon ortitanium nitrides or oxides, or their composites with degradablepolymers (e.g., biomedical grade degradable or non-degradable polyesteror polyurethane). In some embodiments, at least one of the one or morefirst attachment members comprise at least one of a thermoplastic,ultraviolet curable resin, biodegradable polyester, polycarbonateurethane, and polyurethane (e.g., programmed degradable polyurethane).These materials may be medical grade. The biodegradable polyester maycomprise at least one of polycaprolactone, poly(L-lactide),poly(D,L-lactide), and poly(glycolide-co-lactide). The molecular weightof the polycaprolactone may be between about 150,000 and 250,000 and themolecular weight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) is between about 150,000 and 250,000. In someembodiments, the molecular weight of the polycaprolactone may be lessthan about 150,000 and the molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide),poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be less than about150,000. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone may be greater than about 250,000 and the molecularweight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be greater than about 250,000.

In some embodiments, the carrier member comprises an elastomer (e.g.,medical grade). In some embodiments, the carrier member comprises atleast one of an ultraviolet curable resin, methacrylated polybutadiene,polyester urethane, polycarbonate polyurethane, polyether urethane,silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, polyphosphazene, and acrylic copolymer.These materials may be medical grade. In some embodiments, the carriermember comprises a degradable elastomer with programmed mechanicalproperties to match the tissue mechanical and healing requirements. Insome embodiments, the carrier member comprises at least one of abioactive or pharmacologically active agent (e.g., to facilitate tissuerepair and function), an anti-inflammatory material, an anti-fibroticmaterial, an anti-thrombotic material, growth-enhancing or promotingmaterial, and an anti-biotic material, within, released from, or on thecarrier member. At least part of the carrier member may be hydrophilic,wettable by water and body fluids. In some embodiments, at least part ofthe carrier member may be hydrophilic, wetting, and lubricious. In someembodiments, at least part of the carrier member comprises a swellablematerial. The swellable material may comprise a hydrogel of eithersynthetic or biopolymer chemistry. In some embodiments, the swellablematerial comprises a polymer hydrogel. In some embodiments, the carriermember comprises a sheet. In some embodiments, the sheet may beflexible. In some embodiments, the carrier member is substantially flat.

In some embodiments, at least one of the carrier member, the one or morefirst attachment members, and the one or more second attachment memberscomprise biodegradable material. The biodegradable material may compriseat least one of biodegradable polyester, polyanhydride, polytyrosine,fibrin glue, and polyamide. In some embodiments, at least one of thecarrier member, the one or more first attachment members, and the one ormore second attachment members comprises a shape memory material thatcan be degradable or non-degradable by design. The biodegradablepolyester may comprise at least one of polycaprolactone,poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), and poly(glycolide-co-lactide). Themolecular weight of the polycaprolactone may be between about 150,000and 250,000 and the molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide),poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be between about150,000 and 250,000. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone may be less than about 150,000 and the molecular weightof the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide)may be less than about 150,000. In some embodiments, the molecularweight of the polycaprolactone may be greater than about 250,000 and themolecular weight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be greater than about 250,000. In someembodiments, at least one of the one or more first attachment membersand the one or more second attachment members is configured to transformfrom a non-engaging configuration to an engaging configuration uponapplication of a stimulus. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprisesat least one of light, heat, and moisture (e.g., aqueous moisture). Insome embodiments, the stimulus comprises at least one of light, heat,and organic solvents.

In some embodiments, at least one of (a) the carrier member and (b) atleast one of the first attachment members comprises a pharmacologyactive connective tissue growth promoter or factor. In some embodiments,at least one of (a) the carrier member and (b) at least one of the firstattachment members comprises a bioactive connective tissue growthfactor. At least part of the carrier member may be permeable or porous.In certain embodiments, at least part of the carrier member comprises alattice design. At least one of the one or more first attachment membersand the one or more second attachment members may protrude from anintersection point of the lattice design. In certain embodiments, thecarrier member is flexible such that the carrier member can conform tothe connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to conform into acylindrical structure such that a first opening is formed at the firstpart, a second opening is formed at the second part, and the junction isdisposed between the first opening and the second opening. In certainembodiments, a first rim is formed at the first opening and a second rimis formed at the second opening. The one or more first attachmentmembers may protrude from the first rim in an interior of thecylindrical structure and the one or more second attachment members mayprotrude from the second rim in the interior of the cylindricalstructure. In some embodiments, the first portion comprises at least oneof a ligament and a tendon. In some embodiments, the first portion andthe second portion are of the same connective tissue type.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forfixating connective tissue is provided. The method may comprise affixinga fixation device to a first portion of connective tissue and a secondportion of connective tissue. The fixation device comprises a carriermember having a first part, a second part, and a junction therebetween.The carrier member may be configured to encompass, at least in part, aninterior space. The fixation device further comprises one or more firstattachment members protruding into the interior space and at a firstangle from the first part toward the junction. The one or more firstattachment members may be configured to engage the first portion in theinterior space for attaching the first part to the first portion. Thefixation device further comprises one or more second attachment membersprotruding from the second part into the interior space. The one or moresecond attachment members may be configured to engage the second portionin the interior space for attaching the second part to the secondportion. The fixation device is affixed to the first portion and thesecond portion such that (a) the first part conforms to the firstportion and the one or more first attachment members engage the firstportion, (b) the second part conforms to the second portion and the oneor more second attachment members engage the second portion, and (c) thejunction is disposed approximately between the first portion and thesecond portion. When the first part is attached to the first portion andthe second part is attached to the second portion, the first portion andthe second portion are held reliably within the fixation device andlimited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological useof the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the carrier member has a length, width, andthickness. The length and width may each be at least two times, threetimes, four times, five times, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200 times greater than thethickness.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises coupling the firstportion to the second portion. The coupling may comprise attaching thefirst portion to the second portion with at least one of a suture,staple, pin, tack, surgical adhesive or glue, and thermal bond. In someembodiments, the affixing further comprises transforming at least one ofthe one or more first attachment members and the one or more secondattachment members from a non-engaging configuration to an engagingconfiguration. In some embodiments, the transforming comprises applyinga stimulus to at least one of the one or more first attachment membersand the one or more second attachment members. The stimulus may compriseat least one of light, heat and, moisture (e.g., aqueous moisture). Insome embodiments, the stimulus may comprise at least one of light, heat,and organic solvents.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forfixating connective tissue is provided. The method comprises providing afixation device comprising a carrier member having a first part, asecond part, and a junction therebetween. The fixation device furthercomprises one or more first attachment members protruding at a firstangle from the first part toward the junction. The one or more firstattachment members may be configured to engage a first portion ofconnective tissue for attaching the first part to the first portion. Thefixation device further comprises one or more second attachment membersprotruding from the second part. The one or more second attachmentmembers may be configured to engage a second portion of connectivetissue for attaching the second part to the second portion. The carriermember is configured to conform into a cylindrical structure such that afirst opening is formed at the first part, a second opening is formed atthe second part, the junction is disposed between the first opening andthe second opening, the one or more first attachment members protrudefrom the first part in an interior of the cylindrical structure, and theone or more second attachment members protrude from the second part inthe interior of the cylindrical structure.

The method also comprises advancing, when the carrier member isconformed into the cylindrical structure, the first portion through thefirst opening into the interior of the cylindrical structure until a tipof the first portion reaches the junction such that the one or morefirst attachment members engage the first portion. The method alsocomprises advancing, when the carrier member is conformed into thecylindrical structure, the second portion through the second openinginto the interior of the cylindrical structure until a tip of the secondportion reaches the junction such that the one or more second attachmentmembers engage the second portion. When the first part is attached tothe first portion and the second part is attached to the second portion,the first portion and the second portion are limited in being pulledapart from one another during physiological use of the connectivetissue.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise conforming thecarrier member into the cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, theadvancing the first portion comprises coupling the tip of the firstportion to a first suture and advancing the first suture through thefirst opening into the interior of the cylindrical structure such thatthe first portion is drawn into the interior of the cylindricalstructure through the first opening. In some embodiments, the advancingthe second portion comprises coupling the tip of the second portion to asecond suture and advancing the second suture through the second openinginto the interior of the cylindrical structure such that the secondportion is drawn into the interior of the cylindrical structure throughthe second opening. In some embodiments, the method further comprisestransforming at least one of the one or more first attachment membersand the one or more second attachment members from a non-engagingconfiguration to an engaging configuration. In some embodiments, thetransforming comprises applying a stimulus to at least one of the one ormore first attachment members and the one or more second attachmentmembers. The stimulus may comprise at least one of light, heat, andmoisture (e.g., aqueous moisture). In some embodiments, the stimulus maycomprise at least one of light, heat, and organic solvents.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, an apparatusfor stabilizing connective tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises acarrier member having a length, width, and thickness. In someembodiments, the length and width may each be at least two times, threetimes, four times, five times, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200 times greater than thethickness. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of attachmentmembers extending from the carrier member and configured to engageconnective tissue. The apparatus also comprises a plurality ofstabilizing members, each configured to couple a respective attachmentmember to the carrier member. Each stabilizing member is substantiallypositionally fixed relative to the carrier member.

In some embodiments, each stabilizing member is configured to resistangular motion of a respective attachment member relative to the carriermember. In some embodiments, each stabilizing member resides at leastpartially in the carrier member. According to certain embodiments, eachstabilizing member is substantially parallel to a face of the carriermember. In some embodiments, each stabilizing member is substantiallyperpendicular to a respective attachment member. In some embodiments,each stabilizing member is integral with a respective attachment member.Each stabilizing member may form a base of a respective attachmentmember. In some embodiments, a length of each stabilizing member isgreater than or equal to a height of a respective attachment member. Insome embodiments, each attachment member is configured to penetrate atleast partially the connective tissue. Each attachment member may extendsubstantially perpendicular from a respective stabilizing member.

According to certain embodiments, the apparatus also comprises a firstflexible member connecting a first set of the plurality of attachmentmembers. The first flexible member comprises at least one of a fiber, afilament, a string, a thread, and a line. The first flexible membercomprises at least one of polyethelene, poly glycolic acid, and nylon.In some embodiments, the first flexible member resides at leastpartially in the carrier member. In some embodiments, the first flexiblemember resides at least partially in a stabilizing member coupled to arespective attachment member of the first set of the plurality ofattachment members.

In some embodiments, an elasticity of at least one of the first flexiblemember and the carrier member is substantially the same as an elasticityof the connective tissue. In some embodiments, an elasticity of at leastone of the first flexible member and the carrier member is slightlygreater than an elasticity of the connective tissue. In someembodiments, the first flexible member comprises an adjustment memberconfigured to resize a length of the first flexible member. In someembodiments, the adjustment member comprises at least one of a coil, acurve, and a kink. In some embodiments, the adjustment member isconfigured to resize the length of the first flexible member such thatthe length of the first flexible member is substantially the same as alength of the connective tissue during physiological use of theconnective tissue.

In some embodiments, the apparatus also comprises a second flexiblemember connecting a second set of the plurality of attachment members.The first set of the plurality of attachment members is aligned with thesecond set of the plurality of attachment members such that a long axisof the first set of the plurality of attachment members is substantiallyparallel to a long axis of the second set of the plurality of attachmentmembers.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the carriermember has a first part, a second part, and a junction therebetween. Thecarrier member is configured to encompass, at least partially, aninterior space. The plurality of attachment members comprises one ormore first attachment members extending into the interior space and at afirst angle from the first part toward the junction. The one or morefirst attachment members is configured to engage a first portion ofconnective tissue in the interior space for attaching the first part tothe first portion. The plurality of attachment members comprises one ormore second attachment members extending from the second part into theinterior space. The one or more second attachment members is configuredto engage a second portion of connective tissue in the interior spacefor attaching the second part to the second portion. In someembodiments, when the first part is attached to the first portion andthe second part is attached to the second portion, the first portion andthe second portion are limited in being pulled apart from one anotherduring physiological use of the connective tissue.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forstabilizing connective tissue is provided. The method comprises affixinga fixation device to connective tissue. The fixation device comprises acarrier member having a length, width, and thickness, the length andwidth each being at least two times, three times, four times, fivetimes, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20 times, 25 times, 50 times,100 times, or 200 times greater than the thickness. The fixation devicefurther comprises a plurality of attachment members extending from thecarrier member and configured to engage connective tissue. The fixationdevice further comprises a plurality of stabilizing members, eachconfigured to couple a respective attachment member to the carriermember. In some embodiments, during the affixing, each stabilizingmember resists angular motion of a respective attachment member relativeto the carrier member.

In some embodiments, each stabilizing member resides at least partiallyin the carrier member. In some embodiments, the fixation device furthercomprises a flexible member connecting a first set of the plurality ofattachment members. In some embodiments, an elasticity of at least oneof the flexible member and the carrier member is substantially the sameas an elasticity of the connective tissue. In some embodiments, anelasticity of at least one of the flexible member and the carrier memberis slightly greater than an elasticity of the connective tissue. In someembodiments, the method further comprises resizing a length of theflexible member. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesresizing a length of the flexible member such that the length of theflexible member is substantially the same as a length of the connectivetissue during physiological use of the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the fixation device is affixed to a first portionof connective tissue and a second portion of connective tissue. Thecarrier member has a first part, a second part, and a junctiontherebetween. In some embodiments, after the affixing, the carriermember is configured to encompass, at least partially, an interiorspace. The plurality of attachment members comprises one or more firstattachment members extending into the interior space and at a firstangle from the first part toward the junction. The one or more firstattachment members is configured to engage the first portion in theinterior space for attaching the first part to the first portion. Theplurality of attachment members comprises one or more second attachmentmembers extending from the second part into the interior space. The oneor more second attachment members is configured to engage the secondportion in the interior space for attaching the second part to thesecond portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device is affixed tothe first portion and the second portion such that (a) the first partconforms to the first portion and the one or more first attachmentmembers engage the first portion, (b) the second part conforms to thesecond portion and the one or more second attachment members engage thesecond portion, and (c) the junction is disposed approximately betweenthe first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, when thefirst part is attached to the first portion and the second part isattached to the second portion, the first portion and the second portionare limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiologicaluse of the connective tissue.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forstabilizing connective tissue. The method comprises providing a fixationdevice comprising a carrier member having a first part, a second part,and a junction therebetween. The carrier member having a length, width,and thickness, the length and width each being at least two times, threetimes, four times, five times, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200 times greater than thethickness. The fixation device further comprises a plurality ofattachment members extending from the carrier member and configured toengage connective tissue. The fixation device further comprises aplurality of stabilizing members, each configured to couple a respectiveattachment member to the carrier member. Each stabilizing member residesat least partially in the carrier member. In some embodiments, theplurality of attachment members comprises one or more first attachmentmembers extending at a first angle from the first part toward thejunction. The one or more first attachment members is configured toengage a first portion of connective tissue for attaching the first partto the first portion. The plurality of attachment members comprises oneor more second attachment members extending from the second part. Theone or more second attachment members is configured to engage a secondportion of connective tissue for attaching the second part to the secondportion.

In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to conform into asubstantially tubular structure such that a first opening is formed atthe first part, a second opening is formed at the second part, thejunction is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.The one or more first attachment members extend from the first part inan interior of the substantially tubular structure, and the one or moresecond attachment members extend from the second part in the interior ofthe substantially tubular structure. The method further comprisesadvancing, when the carrier member is conformed into the substantiallytubular structure, the first portion through the first opening into theinterior of the substantially tubular structure until a tip of the firstportion reaches the junction such that the one or more first attachmentmembers engage the first portion. The method further comprisesadvancing, when the carrier member is conformed into the substantiallytubular structure, the second portion through the second opening intothe interior of the substantially tubular structure until a tip of thesecond portion reaches the junction such that the one or more secondattachment members engage the second portion. In some embodiments,during the advancing the first portion and the advancing the secondportion, each stabilizing member resists angular motion of a respectiveattachment member relative to the carrier member. In some embodiments,when the first part is attached to the first portion and the second partis attached to the second portion, the first portion and the secondportion are limited in being pulled apart from one another duringphysiological use of the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the fixation device further comprises a flexiblemember connecting a first set of the plurality of attachment members. Insome embodiments, an elasticity of at least one of the flexible memberand the carrier member is substantially the same as an elasticity of theconnective tissue. In some embodiments, an elasticity of at least one ofthe flexible member and the carrier member is slightly greater than anelasticity of the connective tissue. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises resizing a length of the flexible member. In someembodiments, the method further comprises resizing a length of theflexible member such that the length of the flexible member issubstantially the same as a length of the connective tissue duringphysiological use of the connective tissue.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, an apparatusfor fixating connective tissue to bone is provided. The apparatuscomprises a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness. Thelength and width each being at least two times, three times, four times,five times, eight times, ten times, 15 times, 20 times, 25 times, 50times, 100 times, or 200 times greater than the thickness. The apparatuscomprises a plurality of attachment members extending from the carriermember and configured to engage connective tissue of an animal. Theapparatus also comprises a bone engaging member extending from thecarrier member and configured to attach to a bone of the animal. In someembodiments, when the plurality of attachment members is engaged withthe connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached to thebone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulledapart from one another during physiological use of the connectivetissue.

In some embodiments, the carrier member and the bone engaging member areintegral with one another. The connective tissue comprises at least oneof a ligament and a tendon. In some embodiments, the bone engagingmember is configured to be inserted into an aperture within the bone. Insome embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a connecting memberconfigured to be inserted into an aperture within the bone, where thebone engaging member is attached to the bone by being inserted into theconnecting member when the connecting member is inserted into theaperture within the bone.

According to certain embodiments, the connecting member comprises afirst wall, a second wall attached to the first wall at a base of theconnecting member, and a cavity therebetween. The connecting member isconfigured such that the first wall and the second wall is displaceablerelative to one another. At least one of the first wall and the secondwall is configured to be displaced relative to the base of theconnecting member. The cavity comprises a neck portion and a bulgeportion. In some embodiments, the bulge portion is positioned at thebase of the connecting member and has a larger volume than the neckportion when the first wall and the second wall are not displacedrelative to one another. In some embodiments, the bone engaging membercomprises a tip portion sized to fit within the bulge portion of thecavity of the connecting member. The bone engaging member comprises anelongate portion sized to fit within the neck portion of the cavity whenthe first wall and the second wall are not displaced relative to oneanother. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the first wallcomprises a plurality of threads configured to engage an inner surfaceof the aperture within the bone.

According to certain embodiments, the carrier member comprises a sheet.In some embodiments, the carrier member comprises at least one of a leafshape, a tear drop shape, and a fusiform shape. The carrier member isconfigured to wrap around the connective tissue. The carrier member isconfigured to conform to the connective tissue. The apparatus alsocomprises a plurality of stabilizing members each configured to couple arespective attachment member to the carrier member. Each stabilizingmember is substantially positionally fixed relative to the carriermember. In some embodiments, each stabilizing member is configured toresist angular motion of a respective attachment member relative to thecarrier member. In some embodiments, each stabilizing member resides atleast partially in the carrier member.

According to certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises afirst flexible member connecting a first set of the plurality ofattachment members. The first flexible member resides at least partiallyin the carrier member. The apparatus further comprises a second flexiblemember connecting a second set of the plurality of attachment members.In some embodiments, the first set of the plurality of attachmentmembers is aligned with the second set of the plurality of attachmentmembers such that a distance between the first flexible member and thesecond flexible member is greater at a first half of the carrier memberthan at a second half of the carrier member, the second half positionedbetween the first half and the bone engaging member.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forfixating connective tissue to bone is provided. The method comprisesengaging connective tissue of an animal with a plurality of attachmentmembers extending from a carrier member. The carrier member has alength, width, and thickness. The length and width is each at least twotimes, three times, four times, five times, eight times, ten times, 15times, 20 times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200 times greaterthan the thickness. The method also comprises attaching a bone engagingmember extending from the carrier member to a bone of the animal. Insome embodiments, when the plurality of attachment members is engagedwith the connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached tothe bone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulledapart from one another during physiological use of the connectivetissue.

In some embodiments, attaching the bone engaging member comprisesinserting the bone engaging member into an aperture within the bone. Insome embodiments, attaching the bone engaging member comprises insertinga connecting member into an aperture within the bone. The connectingmember comprises a first wall, a second wall attached to the first wallat a base of the connecting member, and a cavity therebetween. Theconnecting member is configured such that the first wall and the secondwall is displaceable relative to one another. The cavity comprises aneck portion and a bulge portion. The bulge portion is positioned at abase of the connecting member. The bulge portion has a larger volumethan the neck portion when the first wall and the second wall are notdisplaced relative to one another.

In some embodiments, attaching the bone engaging member comprises:displacing the first wall and the second wall relative to one anotherfrom a first position to a second position; inserting the bone engagingmember into the aperture of the bone such that a tip portion of the boneengaging member fits within the bulge portion of the cavity; andpermitting the first wall and the second wall to return toward the firstposition such that an elongate portion of the bone engaging member fitswithin the neck portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, an outersurface of the first wall comprises a plurality of threads that engagean inner surface of the aperture within the bone.

In some embodiments, the carrier member comprises a sheet. In someembodiments, the carrier member comprises at least one of a leaf shape,a tear drop shape, and a fusiform shape. The method also compriseswrapping the carrier member around the connective tissue. The methodalso comprises conforming the carrier member to the connective tissue.In some embodiments, a plurality of stabilizing members is eachconfigured to couple a respective attachment member to the carriermember. In some embodiments, during the engaging, each stabilizingmember resists angular motion of a respective attachment member relativeto the carrier member. In some embodiments, each stabilizing memberresides at least partially in the carrier member.

According to certain embodiments, a first flexible member connects afirst set of the plurality of attachment members. In some embodiments,the first flexible member resides at least partially in the carriermember. In some embodiments, a second flexible member connects a secondset of the plurality of attachment members. The first set of theplurality of attachment members is aligned with the second set of theplurality of attachment members such that a distance between the firstflexible member and the second flexible member is greater at a firsthalf of the carrier member than at a second half of the carrier member,the second half positioned between the first half and the bone engagingmember.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, a method forfixating connective tissue to bone is provided. The method comprisesengaging connective tissue of an animal with a plurality of attachmentmembers extending from a carrier member. The method also comprisesattaching a bone engaging member extending from the carrier member to abone of the animal. In some embodiments, when the plurality ofattachment members is engaged with the connective tissue and the boneengaging member is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and thebone are limited in being pulled apart from one another duringphysiological use of the connective tissue.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by thestructure particularly pointed out in the written description and claimshereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate aspects of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a fixation device for fixatingconnective tissue, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an attachment member and FIG. 2Billustrates a front view of the attachment member, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate examples of an attachment member, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate arrangements of the attachment members, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the flexibility of the fixation device, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H illustrate examples of variousconfigurations of the flexible device, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a method for fixating connectivetissue, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate an example of a method for fixatingconnective tissue, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a method for fixating connectivetissue, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate an example of a method forfixating connective tissue, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe subject disclosure.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, and 11I illustrateexamples of the fixation device, in accordance with various embodimentsof the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B of examples of experiments conducted with the fixationdevice, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of manufacturing the fixation device, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, and 14H illustrate examples ofan attachment member coupled to a stabilizing member, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example of a flexible member used toconnect one or more attachment members, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 16A illustrates an example of fabricating a fixation device, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 16B and 16C illustrate examples of an adjustment member, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 17A illustrates an example of a fixation device for fixatingconnective tissue to bone, in accordance with various embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 17B illustrates an example of a connecting member, in accordancewith various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example of connective tissue and a bone prior tobeing fixated to one another, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe subject disclosure.

FIG. 18B illustrates an example of the connective tissue and the bonebeing fixated to one another using a fixation device, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a full understanding of the present invention. It willbe apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without some of these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques havenot been shown in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

Immediate causes of repair failure may be attributed to failure at thetendon-suture interface. A significant limitation of suture repair isthat the strength of repair may be dependent on the ability of thetendon to hold the suture. The few points at which the suture isanchored in the tendon may result in points of high stress duringtensile loading, leading to shredding at the tendon-suture interface asthe suture begins cutting down the tendon. Macroscopically, this isobserved by the occurrence of gapping between the mended tendon ends asthe anchor points in the tendon are compromised. Furthermore, trumpetingat the repair site may cause fusiform swelling in the tendon at therepair site, which may inhibit gliding. Additionally, lack of motionafter repair to protect the repair may cause adhesion to the tendonsheath.

Various approaches for the improvement of tendon repair include usingstronger suture materials, strengthening the tissue at the tendon-sutureinterface, and tissue engineering approaches in conjunction with asuture-repair. However, these approaches fail to address the issue whererepair with suture may create high stress points at the few anchorpoints of the suture in the tendon, leading to the complications thatcan result in repair failure. Along with biomechanical complicationsassociated with suture repair, the quality of the repair itself may behighly dependent on surgeon experience and skill level. The complexitiesof the suture techniques are technically demanding, and variationsbetween repair quality and overall surgery length can lead to deviationsbetween patient outcomes.

According to certain embodiments of the subject disclosure, asignificant contribution to the advancement of orthopedic technologiesis provided to facilitate tissue fixation, stabilization and healing,and hence, repair and restoration of function. A problem associated withsuture-repair occurs when tensile loads are concentrated to a few anchorpoints, which may result in failure at the tendon-suture interface andultimately repair failure. In certain embodiments, this problemassociated with suture-repair is addressed. In certain embodiments, byproviding a device-based approach to tendon repair, variability andquality of repair due to surgeon experience can be reduced or eliminatedbecause of a standardized approach. In some embodiments, a device, forexample with a sheath design, is provided that may limit trumpeting byinvesting the tendon ends. The device may also address adhesionformation by acting as a physical barrier to adhesion formation, with anouter surface coated with suitable materials to prevent adhesion. Inaddition to tendons, the subject technology may be applied to ligamentsand other suitable tissue known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a fixation device 10 for fixatingconnective tissue, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure. Fixation device 10 comprises a carrier member 12 having afirst part 14 a, a second part 14 b, and a junction 16 therebetween. Thecarrier member 12 may be configured to encompass, at least in part, aninterior space. For example, one side of the carrier member 12 may bewrapped to another side of the carrier member 12 to encompass, at leastin part, the interior space. However, the two sides of the carriermember 12 do not necessarily have to be coupled to one another toencompass the interior space. The junction 16 can be a line, zone, orregion. Fixation device 10 also comprises one or more first attachmentmembers 18 a protruding into the interior space and at a first anglefrom the first part 14 a toward the junction 16. The one or more firstattachment members 18 a are configured to engage a first portion ofconnective tissue of a mammal in the interior space for attaching thefirst part 14 a to the first portion of connective tissue. Fixationdevice 10 also comprises one or more second attachment membersprotruding from the second part into the interior space, the one or moresecond attachment members 18 b configured to engage a second portion ofconnective tissue in the interior space for attaching the second part 14b to the second portion of connective tissue. When the first part 14 ais attached to the first portion of connective tissue and the secondpart 14 b is attached to the second portion of connective tissue, thefirst portion of connective tissue and the second portion of connectivetissue are limited in being pulled apart from one another duringphysiological use of the connective tissue. In some embodiments,physiological use means ordinary or typical use of connective tissue inits ordinary function. For example, physiological use of ligaments andtendons in the foot, ankle, or leg may include walking, running, andjumping.

In some embodiments, carrier member 12 may have a tissue-facing surface22, upon which the attachment members 18 (e.g., attachment members 18 aand 18 b) protrude from. Carrier member 12 may also have an opposingsurface 20 that is opposite the side of the tissue-facing surface 22.For example, the opposing surface 20 may be a surface that faces awayfrom the connective tissue that the fixation device 10 is affixed to.The attachment members 18 may be oriented such that they protrudetowards the junction 16 and are substantially aligned with alongitudinal dimension 24 of the carrier member 12. In some embodiments,the one or more second attachment members 18 b protrude at a secondangle from the second part 14 b toward the junction 16. In someembodiments, the carrier member 12 comprises a sheet. In someembodiments, sheet, as used herein, may be given its broadest reasonablemeaning. In some embodiments, a sheet may be substantially broad,flexible, and flat. In some embodiments, the carrier member 12comprising a sheet may refer to the carrier member 12 having a length46, width 48 and thickness 50, where the length 46 and width 48 each areat least two times, three times, four times, five times, eight times,ten times, 15 times, 20 times, 25 times, 50 times, 100 times, or 200times greater than the thickness 50. In some embodiments, the carriermember 12 is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the carrier member12 is integral with the attachment members 18. In some embodiments, thelongitudinal dimension 24 of the carrier member 12 may be the directionconnecting the first part 14 a and the second part 14 b (e.g., adirection substantially perpendicular to the junction and substantiallyin the plane of the carrier member 12).

In some embodiments, fixation device 10 may comprise biomaterial and canbe formed either prior to or upon tissue placement into a tissue-joiningcuff that exerts holding forces on connective tissue, comparable to asuture repair, without the destructive effects mentioned previously. Insome embodiments, the attachment members 18 can be rigid and produce aporcupine-quill (or alligator teeth) mimetic securing effect byresisting tissue pull-out. The attachment members 18 may spread thetensile loading forces among many points, so as not to overload theconnective tissue at any single anchor point, reducing tissue trauma andincreasing immobilizing forces within the fixation device 10.Furthermore, the orientation of the attachment members 18 a and theattachment members 18 b allow for easy insertion of connective tissueinto the cuff one way, but restrict removal or movement in the oppositedirection, similar to how a finger can slide into a Chinese finger-trapbut not pull out. When the fixation device 10 is attached to portions ofconnective tissue, the portions of connective tissue are limited inbeing pulled apart from one another for facilitating repair and re-unionof the connective tissue within fixation device 10.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an attachment member 18 and FIG. 2Billustrates a front view of the attachment member 18, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the subject disclosure. The attachment member 18and the carrier member 12 meet at a base 36. The attachment member 18comprises a body 26, a tip 34, and a base center 38. In someembodiments, the body 26 may be the portion of the attachment member 18that protrudes from the carrier member 12. As shown in FIG. 2A, anattachment member 18 may protrude from the carrier member 12 at an angle26. In some embodiments, the angle 26 is measured according totechniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In someembodiments, the angle 26 is measured between the tissue-facing surface22 of the carrier member 12 and a line connecting the tip 34 and thebase center 38. In some embodiments, angle 26 is less than or equal toabout 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or 85 degrees.In some embodiments, the angle 26 of an attachment member 18 aprotruding from part 14 a may be of the same magnitude as the angle 26of an attachment member 18 b protruding from part 14 b.

According to certain embodiments, the average thickness 28 of anattachment member 18 may be measured along a direction substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal dimension 24 of the carrier member 12. Insome embodiments, the average thickness 28 of an attachment member 18 issuch that when a part 14 of carrier member 12 is attached to a portionof connective tissue, angle 26 is maintained at less than about 5degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45degrees, 50 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, 85 degrees, or 90 degreesduring physiological use of the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, a height 32 of an attachment member 18 is measuredfrom the carrier member 12 to the farthest most extent that theattachment member 18 protrudes from the carrier member 12 (e.g., at thetip 34). In some embodiments, the average height of an attachment member18 is greater than about 6 millimeters, between about 6 and 4millimeters, between about 4 millimeters and 2 millimeters, betweenabout 2 millimeters and 1.75 millimeters, between about 1.75 millimetersand 1.50 millimeters, between about 1.50 millimeters and about 1.25millimeters, between about 1.25 millimeters and about 1 millimeter,between about 1 millimeter and about 0.75 millimeter, between about 0.75millimeter and about 0.5 millimeter, between about 0.5 millimeter andabout 0.25 millimeter, between about 0.25 millimeter and about 0.10millimeter, between about 0.10 millimeter and about 0.075 millimeter,between about 0.075 millimeter and about 0.05 millimeter, between about0.05 millimeter and about 0.025 millimeter, between about 0.025millimeter and about 0.01 millimeter, or less than about 0.01millimeter.

In some embodiments, the greatest width 30 of a base 36 of an attachmentmember 18 is measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal dimension of the base 36 and substantially parallel to thetissue-facing surface 22, the longitudinal dimension of the base 36being a direction the attachment member 18 is protruding toward insubstantially the same plane as the base 36. In some embodiments, thelongitudinal dimension of the base 36 is the same as the longitudinaldimension 24 of carrier member 12. In some embodiments, a ratio of agreatest width 30 of a base 36 of an attachment member 18 to an averageheight of the attachment member 18 is greater than or equal to about1.4, between about 1.4 and 1.2, between about 1.2 and 1.0, between about1.0 and 0.95, between about 0.95 and about 0.90, between about 0.90 andabout 0.80, between about 0.80 and about 0.70, between about 0.70 andabout 0.60, between about 0.60 and about 0.50, between about 0.50 andabout 0.40, between about 0.40 and about 0.30, between about 0.30 andabout 0.20, between about 0.20 and about 0.10, or less than or equal toabout 0.05.

According to various embodiments, the attachment member 18 is configuredsuch that at least about 25%, 50%, 75%, or 95% of the body 26 of theattachment member 18 penetrates a portion of intended connective tissuewhen a part 14 of the carrier member 12 is attached to the portion ofconnective tissue. In some embodiments, the attachment member 18 isconfigured to penetrate the portion of intended connective tissue at adepth of less than about 0.01 millimeter, between about 0.01 millimeterand about 0.025 millimeter, between about 0.025 millimeter and about0.05 millimeter, between about 0.05 millimeter and about 0.075millimeter, between about 0.075 millimeter and about 0.10 millimeter,between about 0.10 millimeter and about 0.25 millimeter, between about0.25 millimeter and about 0.50 millimeter, between about 0.50 millimeterand about 0.75 millimeter, between about 0.75 millimeter and about 1millimeter, between about 1 millimeter and about 1.25 millimeters,between about 1.25 millimeters and about 1.50 millimeters, between about1.50 millimeters and about 1.75 millimeters, between about 1.75millimeters and about 2 millimeters, between about 2 millimeters andabout 3 millimeters, between about 3 millimeters and about 4millimeters, between about 4 millimeters and about 6 millimeters, orgreater than about 6 millimeters. The amount of penetration may dependon the force applied to the attachment member 18, the density of theintended connective tissue, the hardness of the connective tissue and/orthe attachment member 18, or other suitable factors known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

A plurality of attachment members 18 may protrude from a part 14 of acarrier member 12. The part 14 may comprise a tissue-facing surface 22that faces the connective tissue when the part 14 engages a firstportion of the connective tissue. A fixation device 10 may comprise anumber of different densities of attachment members 18 on the part 14.For example, the part 14 and each of the plurality of the attachmentmembers 18 may meet at a respective base 36 having an area. A ratio ofthe total area of all the bases 36 to the total area of thetissue-facing surface 22 of the part 14 may be greater than or equal toabout 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, or0.95. In some embodiments, a high ratio is desirable. In someembodiments, by having a large number of attachment members 18 disposedon a carrier member 12, the resulting surface disperses load over alarger surface area as opposed to a carrier member 12 with fewerattachment members 18.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate examples of an attachment member 18, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure. Anattachment member 18 may have a different shape or angle with respect toother attachment members 18 protruding from the same carrier member 12.In some embodiments, all the attachment members 18 protruding from apart 14 of a carrier member 12 may be oriented in the same direction. Insome embodiments, an attachment member 18 may comprise at least one of ahook, a barb, and a pin.

In some embodiments, a method for creating oriented, spaced attachmentmembers 18 in carrier member 12 uses an oriented direct fiber transferprocess to embed oriented fibers of attachment members 18 into carriermember 12 by either electrostatic forces or mechanical alignment toyield the final device.

In some embodiments, an electrostatic process utilizes a field of staticelectricity to orient the fibers of attachment members 18 relative tothe applied electrostatic field and promote a perpendicular alignment ofthe fibers with respect to carrier member 12. For example, uncuredcarrier member 12 resin in a mold can be passed between the potentialsof a high voltage electrostatic field. A local electrode may be utilizedto give the fiber an electrostatic charge. The charged fibers may becomealigned with the electrical field lines of force. The carrier member 12resin and/or the grounded parts of the application machine may form aground potential. The fibers of attachment members 18 may therefore beelectrostatically attracted toward the carrier member 12 in the mold inthe presence of the field, where they become embedded in the uncuredliquid resin of carrier member 12 in its mold prior to curing. With thisprocess, most fibers may be embedded within the carrier member 12 resinsurface, adhering to the resin and may be oriented relative to carriermember 12 dictated by the orientation of the electrostatic field andelectrodes placing the fibers relative to the plane of carrier member12.

In some embodiments, the attachment members 18 may be non-conductive oruncharged, and the attachment members 18, as short fibers, may betransported and aligned predominately perpendicular to the release sheetthrough mechanical means, such as a sieving screening or alignment maskthrough which the attachment members 18 may fall through the openings toalign and orient at fixed positions and at defined spacings in the resinprior to thermal or photo-curing.

In some embodiments, attachment members 18 embedded into carrier member12 can include natural or synthetic fibers such as rayon, and othertypes of conductive materials including nylon, polyamide, polyester andsimilar synthetic fibers. The attachment members 18 can also includepre-formed ceramic or metal fibers, or related large aspect rationeedles, of millimeter length dimensions. In some embodiments, all ofthe attachment members 18 may be embedded into the carrier member 12 ata defined spacing and angular orientation relative to the plane ofcarrier member 12, and subsequently cured in place by thermal orphotonic means securely to prevent release under stress or strain.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate arrangements of the attachment members 18, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure. In someembodiments, attachment members 18 protruding from a carrier member 12may be arranged in various configurations or in random configurations.As shown in FIG. 4A, the attachment members 18 are arranged with respectto the carrier member 12 in a staggered array. As shown in FIG. 4B, theattachment members 18 are arranged with respect to the carrier member 12in a grid-like array. The attachment members 18 may be arranged withrespect to the carrier member 12 in at least one of the grid-like arrayand the staggered array.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the flexibility of the fixation device 10, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure. In someembodiments, the fixation device 10 is elastic. For example, FIGS. 5Aand 5B illustrate that the fixation device 10 can be stretched in itslongitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the carrier member 12 maybe flexible such that the carrier member 12 can readily conform to theconnective tissue. In some embodiments, an attachment member 18protruding from the carrier member 12 is less elastic than is thecarrier member 12. In some embodiments, the carrier member 12 allowsdeployment of the attachment members 18 into a fully extended andexposed position for optimal tissue engagement by stretching the carriermember 12.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H illustrate examples of variousconfigurations of the flexible device 10, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6A, the fixationdevice 10 may be conformed about its longitudinal dimension 24 into acylindrical structure such that the attachment members 18 are in aninterior of the fixation device 10. Thus, the opposing surface 20 is onan exterior of the fixation device 10. This configuration may be used,for example, to wrap the fixation device 10 around portions ofconnective tissue. As shown in FIG. 6B, the fixation device 10 may beconformed about its longitudinal dimension 24 into a cylindricalstructure such that the attachment members 18 are in an exterior of thefixation device 10. Thus, the opposing surface 20 is in an interior ofthe fixation device 10. This configuration may be used, for example, toplace the fixation device 10 within various organs and tissue as astent-like device. In some embodiments, the fixation device 10 may beused as a tape-like or bandage-like device and placed over tears or ripsin tissue or organs to facilitate repair. In some embodiments, twofixation devices 10 may be placed on opposite sides of a tissue site tobe fixed. The attachment members 18 from each face of the two fixationdevices 10 may be engaged into opposite faces of the tissue to be fixed,and the edges of two fixation devices 10 may be secured to each otheraround the tissue site to hold the tissue within a sandwich structurebetween the two fixation devices 10.

In some embodiments, at least one of the carrier member 12 and theattachment members 18 may comprise a shape memory material. In thiscase, the fixation device 10 may spontaneously conform to a shape of theconnective tissue upon application of a stimulus (e.g., light(ultraviolet or other forms), heat, moisture (e.g., aqueous moisture),and/or other suitable stimuli). In some embodiments, the stimulus maycomprise at least one of light, heat, and organic solvents. For example,the fixation device 10 may deploy and roll up around connective tissueto engage the connective tissue upon application of the stimulus. Insome embodiments, the fixation device 10 may be in a flat configurationwhen engaging the connective tissue. The fixation device 10 may thenconform to the connective tissue (e.g., wrap around the connectivetissue) upon application of the stimulus. In some embodiments, theattachment members 18 may be deployed based on the shape memorymaterial. In some embodiments, the attachment members 18 may beconfigured to transform from a non-engaging configuration to an engagingconfiguration upon application of a stimulus. For example, when thestimulus has not been applied, the attachment members 18 may be in anon-engaging configuration such as being hidden, lying flat against thetissue facing surface 22, being sufficiently soft, or otherwise being ina configuration in which the attachment members 18 do not engage orminimally engage connective tissue when the fixation device 10 engagesthe connective tissue. Upon application of the stimulus, the attachmentmembers 18 may transform into an engaging configuration such as becomingexposed, protruding at a suitable angle from the tissue facing surface22, becoming sufficiently rigid, or otherwise transforming into aconfiguration in which the attachment members 18 may sufficiently engageconnective tissue when the fixation device 10 engages the connectivetissue. In one example, the attachment members 18 may be hidden whendry, but may be exposed and become rigid when wet to engage theconnective tissue.

According to certain embodiments, at least part of the carrier member 12of fixation device 10 may comprise a lattice design. As shown in FIGS.6C and 6D, fixation device 10, which is conformed in a cylindricalstructure, may be loaded onto a mandrel 52. Using laser cutting or othersuitable techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, alattice design 54 may be created on the carrier member 12 of fixationdevice 10, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E. Such a configurationbeneficially allows for diffusion to and from the connective tissuethrough the holes of the lattice design 54 when the fixation device 10is engaged to the connective tissue. In some embodiments, such aconfiguration may also allow fixation device 10 to be of sufficientelasticity, for example, to stretch and wrap around connective tissue.In some embodiments, the attachment members 18 may protrude from the oneor more intersection points 56 of the lattice design 54. However, theattachment members 18 may protrude anywhere from the carrier member 12,including along the sides of the criss-cross pattern of the latticedesign 54.

According to certain embodiments, other techniques may be used toprovide a fixation device 10 having holes on the carrier member 12 tofacilitate diffusion to and from the connective tissue when the fixationdevice 10 is engaged to the connective tissue. For example, as shown inFIG. 6F, strips of fiber may be weaved together to form a meshworkdesign for carrier member 12 of the fixation device 10. In anotherexample, as shown in FIG. 6G, strips of fiber may be knitted together toform a meshwork design for the carrier member 12 of the fixation device10. In some embodiments, biosensor drilling may be used to drill holesinto the carrier member 12. FIG. 6H illustrates an example of thefixation device 10 conformed in a cylindrical structure and utilizing ameshwork design. The attachment members 18 may protrude from an interiorof rims 58 a and 58 b formed at the respective openings of thecylindrical structure. However, the attachment members 18 may alsoprotrude from other areas of the fixation device 10, including anexterior of rims 58 a and 58 b and/or along the fibers of the meshworkdesign. Although the carrier member is described as conforming into thecylindrical structure, it is understood that this cylindrical structuremay, in some embodiments, refer to a substantially tubular structure.For example, the carrier member 12 may be configured to conform into anelongate and hollow structure.

FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate an example of a method 700 forfixating a first portion 40 a of connective tissue to a second portion40 b of connective tissue, in accordance with various embodiments of thesubject disclosure. Method 700 comprises affixing the fixation device 10(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A) to the first portion 40 a and thesecond portion 40 b, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. In some embodiments,the fixation device 10 is affixed to the first portion 40 a and thesecond portion 40 b such that (a) the first part 14 a conforms to thefirst portion 40 a and the one or more first attachment members 18 aengage the first portion 40 a, (b) the second part 14 b conforms to thesecond portion 40 b and the one or more second attachment members 18 bengage the second portion 40 b, and (c) the junction 16 is disposedapproximately between the first portion 40 a and the second portion 40b. In some embodiments, method 700 also comprises coupling the firstportion 40 a of connective tissue to the second portion 40 b ofconnective tissue, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B with an elongatemember 42. The elongate member 42 may comprise suture used to tie thefirst portion 40 a together with the second portion 40 b. The couplingmay comprise other means to couple the first portion 40 a to the secondportion 40 b. For example, the coupling may comprise attaching the firstportion 40 a to the second portion 40 b with at least one of a suture,staple, pin, tack, surgical adhesive or glue, thermal bond, or othersuitable methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, fixation device 10 may be stretched along itslongitudinal dimension 24 before being attached to the connective tissuesuch that when the first part 14 a attaches to the first portion 40 aand when the second part 14 b attaches to the second portion 40 b, theelasticity of the fixation device 10 causes the first part 14 a attachedto the first portion 40 a and the second part 14 b attached to thesecond portion 40 b to be flexed back towards one another. Theorientation of the one or more first attachment members 18 a and the oneor more second attachment members 18 b may prevent the first portion 40a from being pulled apart from the second portion 40 b and vice versa.In some embodiments, when the first part 14 a is attached to the firstportion 40 a and the second part 14 b is attached to the second portion40 b, the first portion 40 a and the second portion 40 b are limited inbeing pulled apart from one another during physiological use of theconnective tissue.

In some embodiments, the first portion 40 a comprises at least one of aligament and a tendon. In some embodiments the second portion 40 bcomprises at least one of a ligament and a tendon. In some embodiments,the first portion 40 a and the second portion 40 b are of the sameconnective tissue type.

FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate an example of a method 900for fixating a first portion 40 a of connective tissue to a secondportion 40 b of connective tissue, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure. Method 900 comprises providing afixation device 10 comprising a carrier member 12 having a first part 14a, a second part 14 b, and a junction 16 therebetween (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6A). The carrier member 12 is configured to conform into acylindrical structure (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A, 10B, 10C, and 10D)such that a first opening 44 a is formed at the first part 14 a, asecond opening 44 b is formed at the second part 14 b, the junction 16is disposed between the first opening 44 a and the second opening 44 b,the one or more first attachment members 18 a protrude from the firstpart 14 a in an interior of the cylindrical structure, and the one ormore second attachment members 18 b protrude from the second part 14 bin the interior of the cylindrical structure. In some embodiments,method 900 comprises conforming the carrier member 12 into thecylindrical structure.

Method 900 also comprises advancing, when the carrier member 12 isconformed into the cylindrical structure, the first portion 40 a throughthe first opening 44 a into the interior of the cylindrical structureuntil a tip of the first portion 40 a reaches the junction 16 such thatthe one or more first attachment members 18 a engage the first portion40 a. In some embodiments, the advancing the first portion 40 acomprises coupling the tip of the first portion 40 a to a first elongatemember 42 a and advancing the first elongate member 42 a through thefirst opening 44 a into the interior of the cylindrical structure suchthat the first portion 40 a is drawn into the interior of thecylindrical structure through the first opening 44 a (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10C). The first elongate member 42 a may comprise suture,thread, or any other suitable mechanism known to those of ordinary skillin the art useful for pulling the first portion 40 a.

Method 900 also comprises advancing, when the carrier member 12 isconformed into the cylindrical structure, the second portion 40 bthrough the second opening 44 b into the interior of the cylindricalstructure until a tip of the second portion 40 b reaches the junction 16such that the one or more second attachment members 18 b engage thesecond portion 40 b. In some embodiments, the advancing the secondportion 40 b comprises coupling the tip of the second portion 40 b to asecond elongate member 42 b and advancing the second elongate member 42b through the second opening 44 into the interior of the cylindricalstructure such that the second portion 42 b is drawn into the interiorof the cylindrical structure through the second opening 44 b. The secondelongate member 42 b may comprise suture, thread, or any other suitablemechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art useful for pullingthe second portion 40 b. In some embodiments, when the first part 14 ais attached to the first portion 40 a and the second part 14 b isattached to the second portion 40 b, the first portion 40 a and thesecond portion 40 b are limited in being pulled apart from one anotherduring physiological use of the connective tissue.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the fixationdevice 10 as discussed herein may be applied for use in otherapplications involving tissue repair. For example, in addition to usewith tendons and ligaments, the fixation device 10 may be applied to theorgans of the gastrointestinal system or urinary system of a mammal.These organs may include, but not limited to, the esophagus, stomach,small and large intestines, mouth, colon, anus, appendix, gallbladder,liver, pancreas, kidneys, urethers, bladder, urethra, or other suitableorgans known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The fixation device10 may be used as a cylindrical structure (e.g., as shown in eitherFIGS. 6A and 6B) in attaching to tissue or alternatively may be used asa tape-like, bandage-like, or sandwiching-like device to be patched ontoorgans where repair is needed. FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G,11H, and 11I illustrate examples of the fixation device 10, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 12A and 12B of examples of experiments conducted with the fixationdevice 10, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure. FIG. 12A illustrates an example of single-tendon uniaxialtensile testing to determine the holding strength of the fixation device10 on a tendon. To test the holding strength, the force needed to pullthe tendon out of the sleeve is determined by uniaxial tensile loadingon an Instron at a displacement ramp rate of about 0.5 millimeters persecond while recording displacement and force on the load cell. Thistest set-up involves wrapping the fixation device 10 around a bovinetendon to cover the area one inch up from the end of the tendon, withthe attachment members 18 facing toward the end of the tendon. Thefixation device 10 is taped circumferentially to prevent the device fromopening up, and the two ends of a nylon strap are glued on oppositesides of the formed sleeve to form a loop. The free end of the tendon isplaced into a freeze clamp, while the loop is secured to the testingbench via a bolt to hold the strap down. FIG. 12B illustrates a singletendon pull out force of the fixation device 10, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the subject disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12B, thestrength of fixation of suture repair is at about 60 Newtons, with afailure of fixation defined as a gap of greater than 3 millimeters. Insome embodiments, use of the fixation device 10 may allow for a forcebeing applied at greater than about 60 Newtons.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of manufacturing the fixation device 10,in accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 13, a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine may beused to fabricate the fixation device 10. In some embodiments, thefixation device may be manufactured utilizing solventless fabricationtechniques. To move into solvent-free production, photo-curable polymersmay be used, as well as thermal-melt processing methods in place of thesolvent casting techniques. This may be advantageous in a manufacturingperspective because there would be no organic waste to deal with and noadditional time needed to extract residual solvent that may still bepresent in the materials of the fixation device 10. Because the fixationdevice 10 is implanted into the body of a mammal, it is important toeliminate concerns of toxicity due to possibility of residual chemicalsfrom processing. In some embodiments, materials to be used infabricating the fixation device 10 include materials already approvedfor implantation in the body by the United States Food and DrugAdministration (FDA).

A CNC machine may be used to create a mold for fabricating the fixationdevice 10. The CNC machine tool may move a surgical blade in and out ofthe mold medium to create surface structures and indentations. A tiltingplatform on the CNC benchtop may allow its blade to enter the mold atvarious angles. The size of each attachment member 18 may be controlledby the depth the blade enters the mold. The angle 26 of each attachmentmember 18 may be controlled by the angle of the tilting platform. Thenumber and placement of the attachment members 18 may be modified in thecomputer code that runs the program of the CNC machine. A computeroperated laser-cutting machine may also produce precise analogoussurface structures in the device using photon energy or ablation insteadof mechanical cutting.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, mold-makingbegins with melting paraffin wax into a petri dish, and covering it tolet the wax cool slowly and evenly. In some embodiments, the tips of No.11 surgical blades may be used to penetrate the wax at a desired depth(e.g., at about 2 millimeters) and at a desired angle (e.g., at about 20degrees) from the surface, leaving negatives of what will become theattachment members 18. The casting polyurethane, for example, Alumilite,may be cast onto the wax mold and placed in a vacuum (e.g., at −22 mmHg)to ensure all the gas from the small negative spaces are evacuated outso as to produce a precise positive of the entire array of attachmentmembers 18. Following curing and removal from the wax mold, theAlumilite positive may be placed in another petri dish, with theattachment members 18 side facing up, where a room temperature curingplatinum silicone elastomer, for example VST-50 from Factor II, Inc.,can be cast over the Alumilite and placed in vacuum to ensure completefidelity to the Alumilite positive. After curing, the silicone elastomercan be peeled off the Alumilite and used as the final heat-resistant,reusable master mold.

In some embodiments, fabrication of the fixation device 10 may involve atwo-part technique to create a bimodal, composite material with rigidattachment members 18 and the carrier member 12 (e.g., an elastomericfilm). To create the attachment members 18 for the carrier member 12, arigid material is cast into the mold to provide the strength needed tosupport resisting forces. In some embodiments, the attachment members 18comprise a polymer. In some embodiments, the attachment members 18comprise at least one of a thermoplastic (e.g., poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), PMMA-copolymers, and Acrylotem-M from OvationPolymers), ultraviolet curable resin (e.g., UV-Cure 7165 from Deco-CoatProducts), biodegradable polyester (e.g., polycaprolactone fromSigma-Aldrich and poly(L-lactide) from Sigma-Aldrich), biomedical gradepolycarbonate urethane (e.g., Bionate 75D from DSM Biomedical), shapememory polyesters and polyurethanes (e.g., from DSM Biomedical), anddegradable polyurethane. These materials may be medical grade. Thebiodegradable polyester may comprise at least one of polycaprolactone,poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), and poly(glycolide-co-lactide),wherein the molecular weight of the polycaprolactone is between about150,000 and 250,000 and the molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide),poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide) is between about150,000 and 250,000. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone may be less than about 150,000 and the molecular weightof the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide)may be less than about 150,000. In some embodiments, the molecularweight of the polycaprolactone may be greater than about 250,000 and themolecular weight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be greater than about 250,000. In someembodiments, the attachment member 18 comprises non-polymeric resorbablebiomaterials including calcium-based ceramics (e.g., calcium phosphates,various hydroxyapatites, carbonates or sulfates), biocompatiblesilicates (e.g., bioglasses), silicon or titanium nitrides or oxides, ortheir composites with degradable polymers (e.g., biomedical gradedegradable or non-degradable polyester or polyurethane).

In some embodiments, the carrier member 12 comprises an elastomer,preferably a medical grade elastomer. In some embodiments, the carriermember 12 comprises a degradable medical grade elastomer. In someembodiments, the carrier member 12 comprises a shape memory degradableelastomer (e.g., segmented polyester urethane). In some embodiments, thecarrier member 12 comprises a shape memory non-degrading elastomer. Insome embodiments, the carrier member 12 comprises at least one of anultraviolet curable resin (e.g., Acrylotem-P-Soft-85 from Ovationpolymers), methacrylated polybutadiene (e.g., Ricacryl 3500 fromSartomer), and polyether urethane (e.g., Biospan Segmented PolyetherUrethane from DSM Biomedical).

In some embodiments, for a thermal melt, the attachment members 18 maycomprise at least one of polycarbonate urethane (e.g., Bionate 75D fromDSM Biomedical), polycaprolactone, poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide),and poly(glycolide-co-lactide), wherein the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone is between about 150,000 and 250,000 and the molecularweight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) is between about 150,000 and 250,000. In someembodiments, for a thermal melt, the carrier member 12 may comprisepolyether urethane (e.g., Biospan Segmented Polyether Urethane from DSMBiomedical). For a thermal melt, the polymer pellets are placed over thesilicone mold in a vacuum oven and heated to melting point under vacuum.As the polymer melts, the polymer may flow into the spaces in the moldas the atmospheric gas is evacuated out. While the polymer is still in aliquid phase, the excess can be removed (e.g., by using a drawing bladeor straight-edge razor blade as a squeegee), leaving behind the polymeronly in the attachment member 18 cavities where the polymer can solidifyagain.

In some embodiments, for an ultraviolet (UV) photocrosslinking cure, theattachment members 18 may comprise at least one of a thermoplastic(e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PMMA-copolymers, andAcrylotem-M from Ovation Polymers) and ultraviolet curable resin (e.g.,UV-Cure 7165 from Deco-Coat Products) or photo-curable polymer resin.These materials may be medical grade. In some embodiments, for a UVcure, the carrier member 12 may comprise at least one of ultravioletcurable resin (e.g., Acrylotem-P-Soft-85 from Ovation Polymers) andmethacrylated polybutadiene (e.g., Ricacryl 3500 from Sartomer) orphotocurable polymer resin. To use a UV curable technique, the UVcurable polymer or its solutions can be poured over the silicone moldsand then placed in vacuum to remove ambient atmosphere and completelyfill the small spaces in the mold. After vacuum, the excess will beremoved (e.g., by using a drawing blade or straight-edge razor blade asa squeegee), and then the remaining polymer can be exposed UV light(wavelength ˜360-365 nm, 10 mW/cm2) for approximately 1 minute to curethe resin in situ. The bulk portion of the fixation device 10 maycreated by casting an elastomeric polymer directly over the attachmentmembers 18 still within the mold and curing or cooling to ambienttemperature.

Using a thermal melt process, the carrier polymer can be heated tomelting point and then simply cast onto the mold over the attachmentmembers 18. Similarly, a UV curable polymer solution can be cast overthe attachment members 18 and then exposed to UV light to cure. Afterthe elastomeric portion has cooled, the carrier member 12 can be pulledoff the silicone mold with the attachment members 18 intact within thecarrier film, and exposed and decorated on and across its surface. Insome embodiments, fabrication based on the foregoing techniques mayreduce manufacture time and enhance device dimensional precision andfidelity and resulting physical feature qualities without the need ofsolvent chemistry.

In some embodiments, the fixation device 10 may be loaded at variousmass fractions (doses) with bioactive or pharmacologically active orincluded biodegradable materials that release bioactive molecules, suchas drugs (e.g., antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-thrombotics,anti-fibrotics) and growth factors known to promote tissue repair. Forexample, antibiotics may include ceftazidime, gentamicin, tobramycin,vancomycin, and/or other suitable antiobiotics. Anti-thrombotics mayinclude warfarin, heparins, and/or other suitable anti-thrombotics. Thebioactive inclusions can be loaded directly into any carrier member 12or attachment member 18 materials for controlled release to the tissuesurface over time without degradable materials. They can also beincluded deliberately within biodegradable carrier member 12 orattachment member 18 materials, or in biodegradable matrices within suchmaterials (for example as micro- or nano-encapsulated drugs). Forexample, at least one of the carrier member 12 and the attachmentmembers 18 may comprise biodegradable materials capable of holding andthen releasing drugs upon degradation. The biodegradable material mayinclude biodegradable polyester or biodegradable polyurethanes. In someembodiments, the biodegradable polyester comprises at least one ofpolycaprolactone, poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), andpoly(glycolide-co-lactide), wherein the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone is between about 150,000 and 250,000 and the molecularweight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) is between about 150,000 and 250,000. In someembodiments, the molecular weight of the polycaprolactone may be lessthan about 150,000 and the molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide),poly(D,L-lactide), or poly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be less than about150,000. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of thepolycaprolactone may be greater than about 250,000 and the molecularweight of the poly(L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide), orpoly(glycolide-co-lactide) may be greater than about 250,000. In someembodiments, at least one of (a) the carrier member 12 and (b) theattachment members 18 comprises a connective tissue growth factor. Theconnective tissue growth factor can be part of the CCN family (e.g.,CCN2) or comprise other suitable pharmacologically active factors knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, when a part14 is attached to a portion 40 of connective tissue and as thebiodegradable material progressively biodegrades, the connective tissuegrowth factor may be progressively released for promoting repair of theportion 40 of connective tissue. In some embodiments, at least part ofthe carrier member 12 may be permeable (e.g., for facilitating moleculediffusion into and/or out of portions 40 of connective tissue).

In some embodiments, anti-adhesive, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory,and/or hydrophilic lubricious materials may be incorporated on theopposing surface 20 of the fixation device to prevent non-desirableadhesion formations. For example, the carrier member 12 may comprise asurface (e.g., opposing surface 20 and/or tissue-facing surface 22)having at least one of an anti-inflammatory material (e.g.,corticosteroid, other suitable steroids, or other suitable anti-fibroticmaterials known to those of ordinary skill in the art), ananti-thrombotic material, and an anti-biotic material, within, releasedfrom or on the carrier member 12. In some embodiments, these bioactivematerials or other suitable biomaterials (e.g., slippery, wettablelubricious coatings based on hydrophilic polymers) known to those ofordinary skill in the art may be used to reduce adhesion formations onthe surface. In some embodiments, at least part of the carrier member 12is hydrophilic, wetting and lubricious against tissue surfaces. In someembodiments, at least part of the carrier member 12 comprises aswellable material. The swellable material may comprise a hydrogel. Insome embodiments, at least one of the carrier member 12 and theattachment member 18 comprises a shape memory material.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, eachattachment member 18 extending from the carrier member 12 may be coupledto the carrier member 12 using a stabilizing member that is configuredto resist angular motion of a respective attachment member 18 relativeto the carrier member 12. This provides stability for each attachmentmember 18 so that each attachment member 18 may remain substantiallypositionally fixed relative to the carrier member 12. In someembodiments, the stabilizing member allows for greater working strengthfor a respective attachment member 18 and improves angular stability ofthe respective attachment member 18 relative to the carrier member 12.In some embodiments, stabilizing members are provided to allow forconsistent attachment of each attachment member 18 to the carrier member12.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, and 14H illustrate examples ofan attachment member 18 coupled to a stabilizing member 62, inaccordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure. Thestabilizing member 62 is configured to couple attachment member 18 tothe carrier member 12, and is substantially positionally fixed relativeto the carrier member 12. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member 62is configured to resist angular motion of the attachment member 18relative to the carrier member 12.

According to certain embodiments, the stabilizing member 62 resides atleast partially in the carrier member 12. For example, the stabilizingmember 62 may reside fully within the carrier member 12. In someembodiments, the stabilizing member 62 may be coupled to an outersurface of the carrier member 12. In some embodiments, the stabilizingmember 62 is substantially parallel to a face of the carrier member 12.In some embodiments, the stabilizing member 62 is substantiallyperpendicular to the attachment member 18.

According to certain embodiments, the stabilizing member 62 may beintegral with the attachment member 18. In some embodiments, thestabilizing member 62 forms a base of the attachment member 18. In someembodiments, a length of the stabilizing member 62 is greater than orequal to a height of the attachment member 18. The attachment member 18is configured to penetrate at least partially the connective tissue. Insome embodiments, the attachment member 18 extends substantiallyperpendicular from the stabilizing member 62. When fixation device 10,for example, is being affixed to connective tissue, the stabilizingmember 62 can resist angular motion of the attachment member 18 duringthe affixing. Thus, bending of the attachment member 18 relative to thecarrier member 12 can be minimized.

According to certain embodiments, a flexible member can be cast as arigid interconnection between the attachment members 18. FIGS. 15A and15B illustrate an example of a flexible member 64 used to connect one ormore attachment members 18, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. As shown in these figures, flexible member 64connects a plurality of attachment members 18. The flexible member 64can comprise at least one of a fiber, a filament, a string, a thread,and a line. In some embodiments, the flexible member 64 can be made ofat least one of polyethelene, poly glycolic acid, and nylon. Accordingto certain embodiments, the flexible member 64 can reside at leastpartially in the carrier member 12. For example, the first flexiblemember may be embedded in the carrier member 12. In some embodiments,the flexible member 64 resides at least partially in the stabilizingmember 62 of an attachment member 18. The flexible member 64 may allowfor anisometric behavior of the carrier member 12.

As shown in FIG. 16A, flexible members 64 may be used to facilitateremoval of an attachment member 18 and the carrier member 12 from a mold66 used to fabricate the fixation device 10. Each flexible member 64 maybe placed within a channel 68 of mold 66, wherein each channel 68interconnects the negatives for the attachment members 18. In someembodiments, the attachment members 18 may be cast as repeating units.For example, rigid polymer may be molded in repeating unit wells withinmold 66 to form the attachment members 18. In some embodiments, materialfor the carrier member 12 (e.g., elastomer) may be laid as a film withinmold 66. For example, the elastomer is cast as a layer which binds theattachment members 18 and the flexible members 64 into a singleconstruct to form the fixation device 10.

The flexible members 64 may be configured in different arrangementsrelative to one another. Thus, the attachment members 18 that areinterconnected by the flexible members 64 may be configured in differentarrangements as well. For example, a first flexible member 64 mayconnect a first set of attachment members 18 (e.g., forming a row ofattachment members 18). A second flexible member 64 may connect a secondset of attachment members 18 (e.g., forming another row of attachmentmembers 18). In some embodiments, the first set of attachment members 18may be aligned with the second set of attachment members 18 such that along axis of the first set of attachment members 18 is substantiallyparallel to a long axis of the second set of attachment members 18.

According to various embodiments of the subject technology, the flexiblemembers 64 can be used to prevent the attachment members 18 fromsubstantially cutting and/or applying substantial stress to theconnective tissue during physiological use of the connective tissue. Forexample, when the attachment members 18 are engaged with the connectivetissue, the connective tissue may stretch or contract duringphysiological use of the connective tissue. If the carrier member 12does not stretch or contract in substantially the same manner as theconnective tissue, the attachment members 18 may remain fixed relativeto the connective tissue, thereby cutting and/or applying substantialstress to the connective tissue. According to various embodiments of thesubject technology, an elasticity of at least one of a flexible member64 and the carrier member 12 is substantially the same as an elasticityof the connective tissue. Thus, the carrier member 12 and/or a flexiblemember 64 (which may connect a set of attachment members 18), maystretch or contract in substantially the same manner as the connectivetissue during physiological use of the connective tissue and prevent theattachment members 18 from cutting and/or applying substantial stress tothe connective tissue. In some embodiments, an elasticity of at leastone of a flexible member 64 and the carrier member 12 is slightlygreater than an elasticity of the connective tissue. This may allow theflexible member 64 and/or the carrier member 12 to sufficiently hold theconnective tissue in place depending on the application of the flexiblemember 64 and/or the carrier member 12.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible member 64 may compriseone or more adjustment members configured to resize a length of theflexible member 64. In this way, the flexible member 64 may stretch orcontract in substantially the same manner as the connective tissue. Forexample, the one or more adjustment members may be configured to resizethe length of the flexible member 64 such that the length of theflexible member 64 is substantially the same as a length of theconnective tissue (e.g., engaged by the attachment members 18) duringphysiological use of the connective tissue. In some embodiments, eachadjustment member comprises at least one of a coil, a curve, a kink, andsome other suitable structure for resizing the length of the flexiblemember 64 to match the length of the connective tissue. In someembodiments, each adjustment member may act like a spring (e.g., forstretching or contracting a corresponding flexible member 64). FIGS. 16Band 16C illustrate examples of an adjustment member 102, in accordancewith various embodiments of the subject technology.

According to various embodiments of the subject technology, the carriermember 12 as described herein may be used in conjunction with a boneengaging member 72 to facilitate soft tissue fixation to bone. FIG. 17Aillustrates an example of a fixation device 100 for fixating connectivetissue to bone, in accordance with various embodiments of the subjectdisclosure. The fixation device 100 comprises the carrier member 12. Thefixation device 100 also comprises the plurality of attachment members18 extending from the carrier member 12 and configured to engageconnective tissue of an animal. The fixation device 100 also comprisesthe bone engaging member 72 extending from the carrier member 12 andconfigured to attach to a bone of the animal. In some embodiments, whenthe plurality of attachment members 18 is engaged with the connectivetissue and the bone engaging member 72 is attached to the bone, theconnective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulled apart fromone another during physiological use of the connective tissue.

In some embodiments, the carrier member 12 and the bone engaging member72 are integral with one another. The carrier member 12 comprises asheet, and is configured to conform to the connective tissue. Forexample, the carrier member 12 may wrap around the connective tissue.The carrier member 12 can comprise various suitable shapes. For example,the carrier member 12 comprises at least one of a leaf shape, a teardrop shape, and a fusiform shape.

According to certain embodiments, flexible members 64 may be used toconnect rows of attachment members 18 on carrier member 12. The flexiblemembers 64 may fan out in a direction away from the bone engaging member72. In some embodiments, the bone engaging member 72 may comprise theflexible members 64 being brought together from the carrier member 12 toform a stem-like structure that may be pre-loaded into an aperturewithin the bone.

FIG. 17B illustrates an example of a connecting member 74, in accordancewith various embodiments of the subject disclosure. The connectingmember 74 may be inserted into the aperture within the bone and is usedto facilitate the attachment of the bone engaging member 72 to the bone.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example of connective tissue 76 and a bone 78prior to being fixated to one another, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure. The connective tissue 76comprises at least one of a ligament and a tendon. FIG. 18B illustratesan example of the connective tissue 76 and the bone 78 being fixated toone another using the fixation device 100, in accordance with variousembodiments of the subject disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B, the bone engaging member 72 isconfigured to be inserted into an aperture 80 within the bone 78. Insome embodiments, the connecting member 74 is configured to be insertedinto the aperture 80, and the bone engaging member 72 is attached to thebone 78 by being inserted into the connecting member 74 when theconnecting member 74 is inserted into the aperture 80 within the bone78.

According to certain embodiments, the connecting member 74 comprises afirst wall 98, a second wall 82 attached to the first wall 98 at a base84 of the connecting member 74, and a cavity 86 therebetween. Theconnecting member 74 is configured such that the first wall 98 and thesecond wall 82 is displaceable relative to one another. At least one ofthe first wall 98 and the second wall 82 is configured to be displacedrelative to the base 84 of the connecting member 74. In some aspects, anouter surface of the first wall 98 and/or the second wall 82 comprises aplurality of threads 96 configured to engage an inner surface of theaperture 80 within the bone 78. Thus, the connecting member 74 may bescrewed into the bone 78.

In some embodiments, the cavity 86 comprises a neck portion 88 and abulge portion 90. The bulge portion 90 is positioned at the base of theconnecting member 74. In some embodiments, the bulge portion 90 has alarger volume than the neck portion 88 when the first wall 98 and thesecond wall 82 are not displaced relative to one another. The boneengaging member 72 comprises a tip portion 92 sized to fit within thebulge portion 90 of the cavity 86. For example, the tip portion 92 maycomprise a fusiform shape that allows it to be interlocked within thebulge portion 90. The bone engaging member 72 comprises an elongateportion 94 sized to fit within the neck portion 88 when the first wall98 and the second wall 82 are not displaced relative to one another.

According to certain embodiments, to insert the bone engaging member 72into the connecting member 74, the first wall 97 and the second wall 82may be displaced relative to one another from a first position to asecond position. The bone engaging member 72 may be inserted into theaperture 80 such that the tip portion 92 fits within the bulge portion90. Then the first wall 97 and the second wall 82 may then be permittedto return toward the first position such that the elongate portion 94fits within the neck portion 88 of the cavity 86.

According to various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the hoopstresses imparted to a tendon by the fixation device as described herein(e.g., fixation device 10 or fixation device 100) may maintainintratendinous pressure less than the mean arterial pressure to preventlocal ischemia within the fixated tendon (e.g., absolute value is lessthan about 45 mmhg). In some embodiments, the fixation device asdescribed herein may be used for various applications, including but notlimited to, augmentation abdominal wound closure, hernia repair, andveterinary applications.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thepresent invention has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the invention.

There may be many other ways to implement the invention. Variousfunctions and elements described herein may be partitioned differentlyfrom those shown without departing from the scope of the invention.Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modificationsmay be made to the invention, by one having ordinary skill in the art,without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aphrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and viceversa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that suchembodiment is essential to the subject technology or that suchembodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, orone or more embodiments. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one ormore embodiments and vice versa.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the various configurations describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein byreference and intended to be encompassed by the invention. Moreover,nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the publicregardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the abovedescription.

1. An apparatus, for fixating connective tissue to bone, comprising: acarrier member having a length, width, and thickness, the length andwidth each being at least two times greater than the thickness; aplurality of attachment members extending from the carrier member andconfigured to engage connective tissue of an animal; a bone engagingmember extending from the carrier member and configured to attach to abone of the animal, and wherein, when the plurality of attachmentmembers is engaged with the connective tissue and the bone engagingmember is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and the bone arelimited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological useof the connective tissue.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecarrier member and the bone engaging member are integral with oneanother.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connective tissuecomprises at least one of a ligament and a tendon.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a connecting member configured to beinserted into an aperture within the bone, wherein the bone engagingmember is attached to the bone by being inserted into the connectingmember when the connecting member is inserted into the aperture withinthe bone.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the connecting membercomprises a first wall, a second wall attached to the first wall at abase of the connecting member, and a cavity therebetween, the connectingmember configured such that the first wall and the second wall isdisplaceable relative to one another.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall is configuredto be displaced relative to the base of the connecting member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the cavity comprises a neck portion and abulge portion, the bulge portion positioned at the base of theconnecting member, the bulge portion having a larger volume than theneck portion when the first wall and the second wall are not displacedrelative to one another.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the boneengaging member comprises a tip portion sized to fit within the bulgeportion of the cavity of the connecting member.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the bone engaging member comprises an elongate portionsized to fit within the neck portion of the cavity when the first walland the second wall are not displaced relative to one another.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein an outer surface of the first wallcomprises a plurality of threads configured to engage an inner surfaceof the aperture within the bone.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of stabilizing members each configured to couplea respective attachment member to the carrier member, each stabilizingmember being substantially positionally fixed relative to the carriermember.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a firstflexible member connecting a first set of the plurality of attachmentmembers.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a secondflexible member connecting a second set of the plurality of attachmentmembers.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first set of theplurality of attachment members is aligned with the second set of theplurality of attachment members such that a distance between the firstflexible member and the second flexible member is greater at a firsthalf of the carrier member than at a second half of the carrier member,the second half positioned between the first half and the bone engagingmember.
 15. A method, for fixating connective tissue to bone,comprising: engaging connective tissue of an animal with a plurality ofattachment members extending from a carrier member, the carrier memberhaving a length, width, and thickness, the length and width each beingat least two times greater than the thickness; and attaching a boneengaging member extending from the carrier member to a bone of theanimal, wherein, when the plurality of attachment members is engagedwith the connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached tothe bone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulledapart from one another during physiological use of the connectivetissue.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the bone engagingmember comprises inserting a connecting member into an aperture withinthe bone, the connecting member comprising a first wall, a second wallattached to the first wall at a base of the connecting member, and acavity therebetween, the connecting member configured such that thefirst wall and the second wall is displaceable relative to one another,the cavity comprising a neck portion and a bulge portion, the bulgeportion positioned at a base of the connecting member, the bulge portionhaving a larger volume than the neck portion when the first wall and thesecond wall are not displaced relative to one another.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein attaching the bone engaging member comprises:displacing the first wall and the second wall relative to one anotherfrom a first position to a second position; inserting the bone engagingmember into the aperture of the bone such that a tip portion of the boneengaging member fits within the bulge portion of the cavity; andpermitting the first wall and the second wall to return toward the firstposition such that an elongate portion of the bone engaging member fitswithin the neck portion of the cavity.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein a plurality of stabilizing members is each configured to couplea respective attachment member to the carrier member, and wherein,during the engaging, each stabilizing member resists angular motion of arespective attachment member relative to the carrier member.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, wherein a first flexible member connects a first setof the plurality of attachment members.
 20. A method, for fixatingconnective tissue to bone, comprising: engaging connective tissue of ananimal with a plurality of attachment members extending from a carriermember; and attaching a bone engaging member extending from the carriermember to a bone of the animal, wherein, when the plurality ofattachment members is engaged with the connective tissue and the boneengaging member is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and thebone are limited in being pulled apart from one another duringphysiological use of the connective tissue.